Product labels featuring "keto-friendly," "gluten-free," or "natural" claims can sometimes mislead consumers into believing that a food is healthier than it actually is. While these labels might suggest a lower carbohydrate content or the absence of wheat, they do not necessarily indicate that a food is nutritious.

NUTRITIOUS EATING

            Defining what qualifies as nutritious food can be intricate, but most nutritious foods exhibit common traits. Nutritious foods are typically rich in essential vitamins and minerals, contain adequate amounts of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, and have minimal empty calories. Empty calories refer to added sugar and saturated fat that contribute calories with little to no nutritional benefit.Regrettably, certain foods that are often thought of as "healthy" actually contain a considerable amount of added sugars, surpassing expectations.

                  Product labels touting "keto-friendly," "gluten-free," or "natural" can give consumers a false impression of a food's healthfulness. While these claims might suggest a low carb content or the absence of wheat, they do not necessarily mean that a food is nutritious. Many of these items end up having higher sugar levels than anticipated. Instead of solely relying on marketing claims, it's crucial to compare nutrition facts and ingredient labels for more precise information.

               If you prioritize healthy eating, it's crucial to keep track of the added sugar in the foods you choose. You may be surprised to discover the amount of sugar present in foods that you perceive as healthy. While a small amount of added sugar can be part of a balanced diet, it's advisable to restrict the consumption of this ingredient. According to the FDA, the daily recommended value for added sugar is around 50 grams per day in a 2,000-calorie diet.

Listed below are 5 "healthy foods" that contain considerably more sugar than you might expect.

1. Canned Soup

          If you're looking for a fast, healthy lunch option, canned soups can be convenient. However, they may contain more sugar than you expect. For instance, Campbell's Condensed Tomato Soup has 8 grams of added sugar per ½ cup serving, equating to 20 grams in a single can of soup. Seek out soups with a minimum of 10 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber, and no added sugar.

2. Granola Bars

            Granola bars, commonly consumed as a quick meal or snack, can hide high levels of added sugar. For example, Nature Valley Oats and Honey Granola Bars contain 11 grams of added sugar, and have low fiber and protein content. Choose bars with at least 3 grams of fiber and less than 5 grams of added sugar.

3. Instant Oatmeal

              Even though oatmeal is generally a nutritious choice, flavored instant oatmeals can be packed with extra sugars. For example, Quaker Oats' Cinnamon & Spiced Oatmeal contains 10 grams of additional sugar. You might want to consider opting for Quaker's lower-sugar instant oatmeal, which has 35% less added sugar than traditional flavors.

4. Low-Fat Yogurt

           While lower-fat yogurt has fewer calories from fat compared to full-fat versions, many options make up for it with added sugar. For instance, Exploits blueberry-flavored yogurt contains 13 grams of added sugar per 6-ounce container. Look for Greek yogurt or similar options that are high in protein and contain less than 5 grams of added sugar.